glimmer of hope.

chapter 15

Kgf

Things had been going well in Kgf now. The area was strictly guarded and people were prohibited to enter and exit for safety purposes. The only people allowed were Chacha, Vanaram and Reena though she never left. 

The sun was shining and the kids were happily playing in the playground. The pink and blue hues of the evening sun had melted into the horizon. 

Reena was also sat in the playground watching all the kids play, with her son in her hands. The sounds of their laughter brought her joy. A feeling of reassurance that one day her son would also be there, laughing without fear or worry. 

Just then one of the boys sat down next to Reena. "Naadini how come our baby isn't playing with us" the boy curiously asked as he stroked the babies head. Reena laughed at his question and said "Well our baby is too small now, but when he is a little older he will come play with you alright". The boy nodded, a smile plastered on his face as he continued to play. 

Just then someone called Reena. "Reena beti, This is Varun Chandran a photographer from Chennai. He is a social science student in the university of Madras" said Chacha as the man held his hand forward for a handshake. Reena just smiled as she had a baby in her hands. The man quickly took his hand back and spoke. 

"Yes um hello madam my name is Varun Chandran as sir said. I'm a social science student. I heard about kgf when people had kicked out Ramika Sen from parliament and since then have been very intrigued to know more about it. I had heard from people all the good deeds you do and how you take care of the civilians here. I just wanted to know if I can take some photos to help me write about kgf. I promise madam I wont let a single person see these pictures that I take. Please please pleaaase."

Reena turned to Chacha who gave her pitiful look. She felt bad so she decided to let the boy stay. 

"Firstly call me akka or Reena, secondly you can stay under one condition, you cannot mention that me nor my son are living here to anyone and I mean not a single soul should know. understand" she said in a firm tone which slightly intimidated the boy.

 The boys face lit up as he squealed in joy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you soo much Akka. I promise I wont tell anyone".

Chacha helped the boy settle down and in the evening the boy went to see Reena in the garden. "Akka" the boy called out to Reena who was sitting on the swing. 

"Hey Varun come sit" she said. Varun came and sat on the swing next to hers. Reena decided to break the awkward silence and asked, "So do your family know that your staying here". The mention of family made Varun's eyes water. 

 Reena noticed this and asked "Hey what's wrong. I'm sorry to upset you, you don't have to tell me". 

"No akka its not your fault. Its just that my mother passed away 1 year ago and since then I've been living by myself. My dad lives in Gujarat, he moved there after my mum died but I decided to stay in Chennai to finish my studies" he said as he wiped the tears from his face. 

Reena felt bad for the boy as she knew the pain of losing your parents and how tough that could be. She decided to change the topic of discussion in order to make him feel a little better. 

" How is kgf, are the people treating you nicely because if they are not, ill tell Chacha to send them to the mines" she said with a smile tugging her lips causing him to burst out into a laugh. 

"Ahh finally you smiled, anyways why don't you eat and go to sleep. Ill show you around tomorrow" she said and they both left to their respective rooms calling it a night.

The next day Reena showed Varun around Kgf and the mines where people worked happily, contrast to how things were when Garuda was alive.

Varun enthusiastically took picture of everything he saw and even captured Reena and the baby in a few. The people were quite shocked to see an outsider in Kgf but they still welcomed Varun like he was one of their own. 

one month later

It was finally the day Varun was leaving back to Chennai. The people were sad to see him leave as they had welcomed him into their family. Even Reena and Chacha were sad to see him go. 

"Akka, Khasim uncle thank you again for letting me stay here and do my research. I wont forget you until I die. And I promise to show the world all the good deeds done by the people of Kgf" he said. 

Reena pat his back as she said "Well I always wondered what it would be like if I had a brother. I finally know now. It was a pleasure meeting you Varun". 

Varun left Kgf and Chacha accompanied him to the train station. Varun was waiting for the train and as he was about to board, he was stopped by Chacha. 

"Beta this train isn't going to Chennai" said Chacha pointing to the sign.

 " I know Chacha, I'm not going to Chennai. I'm going to Gujarat to see my dad" and he boarded the train and left. 

ohh so a bit of an interesting one this is. anyways what do you guys think. this chapter will make more sense once you read the next chapter. anyways dont forget to vote and comment. till next time.....